Surya, which refers to the sun god in Hindu mythology, is a unique Indian Restaurant in the sometimes chaotic West Village. Highlighted by outdoor garden dining, it is a lovely place to have a quiet dinner in lower Manhattan. With 20 years of experience, Chef Lala Sharma is at the helm and driving the direction of their sumptuous cuisine. A product of the famed Bukhara in Delhi, he brings forth the best in Indian culinary tradition including northern Mughlai cuisine (from Delhi and Punjab) and seafood recipes from the southwest coast. His intricate dishes, combined with his flair for improvisation and his knowledge of health and nutrition, make this a refreshing stop in a bustling area.

Surya is a true hideout and a wonderful place to unwind and get your Zen on. It’s not just the decor that’s calming; many of the regional favorites are subtle as well. Warm evenings with wine in the garden are a magical experience and one that the doctor should order for many of the New Yorker’s who are stressed out from the hustle and bustle of being city dwellers. Add to that an order of Konju Pappas (shrimp cooked in spicy coconut sauce flavored with curry leaves and tamarind), Lamb Chops Gurnar (lamb chops marinated in exotic Indian spices and cooked in a clay oven), Aloo Tikkiyas (spiced potato cakes served with Surya special sauce) and an order of Pudina Parath (mint flavored bread glazed with butter) and you may just never leave.

With a splendid vegetarian menu including Sprouted Lentils with Spinach (sprouted lentils and spinach cooked with cumin and mustard seeds), Spiced Okra (sautéed fresh okra with concasse of tomato, onion, garlic and kokum) and Daal Surya (traditional Punjabi preparation of black lentils simmered overnight, on a slow fire tempered with cumin and ginger), Chef Sharma is clearly well equipped to accommodate and tantalize the vegetarians walking the streets as well.